Tall Bearded Iris SPANISH LEATHER

 

Considered by Carlos Ayento, of Brighton Park Iris to be endangered in its American homeland, 'Spanish Leather' a twenty eight year old classic is still regularly available here in New Zealand. It was one of my pleasant new purchase surprises last bloom season. This well named variety is a medley of autumn colours in bronze, copper-brown, and rosy-rust, completed with rich golden tones in the centre of each fall.The flowers are thickly substanced with a leathery texture. Iron rod stalks with especially good spacing of its branching and up to 8-10 buds per stem. A vigorous grower with beautiful purple bottom clean foliage that is resistant to leaf spot. Remarkable sun-fast blend topped off with bright bushy old gold beards.

Schreiner's, Salem,Oregon, 60th Annual Iris Lovers Catalog:, 1985.
SPANISH LEATHER
With texture and color like fine leather wares fashioned by the master craftsmen of Seville, our Spanish Leather captures the quality and spirit of that finely wrought work. Rose, copper and henna-maroon all blend in a rich harmony highlighted by golden orange beards and artful golden dappling on the falls. Our photograph illustrates the richness of color and the fine detail in this big full-fashioned beauty. Extremely vigorous as well! You may never own boots of Spanish leather, but can witness something of equal beauty.

SPANISH LEATHER
(Schreiner's, R. 1985) Sdlg. R 815-B. TB, 35" (89 cm), EM
Lightly ruffled rose, copper, henna and maroon blend with golden dappling highlighting shoulders and broad hafts; old gold blended beard. I 910-2: (D 824-AA x E 1068-A: (Calypso Bay sib x Y 866-A)) X K 891-B: ((Lime Fizz x Kingdom) x New Moon). Schreiner's 1985.

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter.